Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Charleston, SC (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

St. Paul is 29% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,248/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 31%
$73,055/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 23%
$280,300 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 67%
$1,390/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 21%
307,762
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $16,983/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Charleston — common questions

Is St. Paul or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Charleston?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Charleston?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $16,983/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and South Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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